At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, maintain facilities, and ensure high standards of animal welfare.
- Company: Join Askham Bryan College, a leading land-based college in the North of England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, free parking, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and continuous support for your career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while working in beautiful surroundings.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in an animal-related subject; degree preferred.
Salary: SP17 – £24,767 per annum/pro rata
Contract Type: Part‑Time – 29.6hrs, Fixed term
Contractual hours: 29.6
Package: 35 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays Pro rata, Generous Pension Scheme, Free Parking, Various Staff Benefits
About the role: We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Kennel and Companion Animal Keeper to join our Animal Sciences and Conservation Department here at our York campus. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can work with others and is responsible, passionate and knowledgeable about the overall animal management sector and has an enthusiastic approach to animal husbandry and welfare.
The candidate will be responsible for the daily care, welfare, and presentation of the Kennels and Companion facilities at Askham Bryan College. This role supports high standards of animal husbandry, conservation and education. Reporting to the Kennel and Companion Manager, responsibilities include the day-to-day care and management of the Kennels and Companion section, general cleaning, feeding, maintenance and record keeping. We are especially interested in someone with a focus on Canine and Feline.
As this role is customer facing, working hours will be set within 8:00AM-6:00PM on a rota basis. Applicants should be educated to at least a level 3 in an animal related subject, and a degree in an animal related subject would be advantageous.
In return, you will receive a generous holiday allowance, ample free parking, canteen facilities and a range of employee benefits as well as the opportunity to work within spectacular grounds.
Benefits of working with Askham Bryan College:
- On‑site facilities including a fully functional farm, equine centre, wildlife park and VR suite
- Beautiful grounds for outdoor learning, meetings and well‑being walks
- Generous pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- 35 days annual leave, plus 8 days bank holiday, plus Christmas shut down
- Options for flexible working arrangements (role dependent)
- On‑site catering including a canteen and shop
- Highly discounted gym membership at the on‑site gym
- Free car parking and cycle to work scheme
- Continuous support from our Recruitment and Employee Lifecycle Partner
- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption pay
Safeguarding Statement: The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, volunteers and partners to share this commitment.
Specific measures relating to pre‑employment checks: We may undertake online searches on internet activity as part of our pre‑recruitment checks. We ask applicants for details of any convictions and cautions, regardless of whether these have been deemed as “spent”. It is a condition of employment that applicants provide these details. We undertake Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks for prospective employees.
Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover) employer: Askham Bryan College
Askham Bryan College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. As a part-time lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at our Gateshead campus, you will enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and pension contributions, all while making a meaningful impact on the next generation of veterinary professionals in a vibrant educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover)
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Askham Bryan College.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Askham Bryan College!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Askham Bryan College. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Askham Bryan College. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Askham Bryan College
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
